·	NREF Leadership
·	Donor Recognition
·	Where The Money Goes

Where The Money Goes

Inquiring Minds Want to Know …

What happens to the money donated to the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)?

It is through voluntary donations from our membership and the general public that important research, impacting the lives of those suffering from epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, spinal disorders, head injuries and low back pain, have been funded by NREF since 1981. I am happy to tell you that in 2003, 100% of every dollar contributed by individuals and corporate partners to NREF, directly supported neurosurgical medical research and education

NREF grant awardees are the neurosurgeons of tomorrow - bright, young residents and academics just emerging onto the neurosurgical scene. Each year the NREF Scientific Advisory Committee reviews applications from Young Clinician Investigators and Research Fellows. In 2003, NREF awarded $410,000 in grants to eight fellows. Currently, Dr. Judy Huang is working on research that will provide additional insights into how estrogen effectively mediates neuroportection while paradoxically; estrogen-replacement therapy has been recently shown to increase stroke risk in post-menopausal women. This research may lead to a novel pharmacologic strategy of combining an anti-inflammatory agent with hormonal replacement in stroke prevention

Did you know that Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children? The disease itself, and current treatments (aggressive surgery and adjuvant therapies) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MB will lead to better disease diagnosis and staging, and make possible new therapeutic approaches. Dr. John Kuo, at the University of Toronto is currently researching "Developing New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Medulloblastoma based on a Novel Tumor Specific Gene, OPL" . Dr. Kuo is a NREF 2003 Research Fellowship awardee and is able to conduct this research because of those who have invested in the future of neurosurgery research and education.

The Scientific Advisory Committee is currently reviewing a record number of 49 grant applications for the 2004 awardees, which will be announced in early March. However, due to a limited amount of financial resources many of these promising grant applications will not be funded.

If you would like to read more about current NREF grant recipients, please click fellowships. Please contact the Director of Development at (847) 378-0500 if you have any additional questions or would like to make a personal gift.

Your help is needed to expand the innovative research that will make a difference in the lives of thousands. By investing in neurosurgical research and education TODAY, you will help guarantee forward progress on neurological disorders will be made TOMORROW. Make your donation today.